Probation Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Court Services Director/Director of Probation and Pre-Trial Services is responsible to manage the probation and support staff in providing supervision of offenders on probation and pre-trial as well as truant juveniles and a driver diversion program. The Director is responsible to carry out the orders of the Court with regard to conditions of criminal sentencing and to ensure community safety.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervises probation and support staff including: recruiting, interviewing, recommending hires, training, scheduling work and approving time off or overtime requests, delegating duties, conducting performance evaluations, investigating complaints or concerns, and preparing performance improvement plans and disciplinary action recommendations. Prepares court orders for pay and advancements for the Court's approval. Trains staff in departmental mission, policies and procedures.
- Facilitates weekly staff meetings.
- Addresses agitated clients of staff members who wish to speak with a manager.
- Manages budgeting and grants. Operates the department within the designated budget and pursues grants to strengthen programs. Collects, prepares and submits grant information. Collects fees for service and sets fee amount for supervision to offset costs. Oversees the out-of-home juvenile corrections budget.
- Design and institute new and current programs, assessment of future short and long-term needs for department and continuously assess adherence to mission of the department.
- Works directly with internal and external entities to provide services (i.e.: schools, courts, law enforcement, County & City Attorney, Court Administration, and Human Services).
- Testifies in court, developing and maintaining relationships with Judges, law enforcement agencies, and treatment programs.
- Monitors adult offender caseload. Assess and respond to offender's needs and victim/community needs for people on probation and pre-trial as well as juveniles supervised for truancy and delinquency. Arrests/violations to Court of offenders in violation of their probationary conditions. Completion of pre-sentence and bail study reports to the Court.
- Performs drug testing of offenders
- Performs administrative and record keeping tasks including approval of agent reports, emailing, telephone calls and compliance monitoring. Receipt, approve and process incoming and outgoing offender transfers.
- Inputs data into departmental software and computer programs.
- Coordinates Freeborn County sentencing to service programs. - Participates and collaborates in county, community and statewide committees.
- Attends training/educational sessions, seminars and regional meetings to keep current in
best practices and laws, policies and procedures affecting work responsibilities and provides that information for training and implementation to staff.
- Manages a pre-trial program of offenders not yet adjudicated guilty, assuring compliance with Court ordered conditions of release from custody the by the Court.
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of current best practices and principles of criminal justice and related social science disciplines.
- Knowledge of supervisory and management principles and best practices.
- Knowledge of budgeting, accounting and fiscal management.
- Knowledge of Minnesota state laws, Court rules, and professional Corrections standards.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, sufficient to testify in Court and write clear and concise reports.
- Knowledge of interviewing techniques.
- Skill operating computers and relevant software, including Corrections related programs (CSTS, Odyssey).
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and data privacy.
- Ability to set policies and goals for Court Services, with management guidance.
- Ability to manage complex work with analytical ability and inductive thinking in adapting policies, procedures and methods to fit situations and changing conditions.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with persons of influence involving considerable tact, discretion and persuasion.
Education and Experience
- Requires a four-year degree in criminal justice, corrections, law enforcement or related field.
- Eight years of related experience in corrections.
- Meet minimum Minnesota Department of Corrections Agent qualifications
Licenses/Certifications
This position will require the acquisition and maintenance of the following additional certificates/licenses:
- Valid Driver's License
Equipment and Tools Responsibilities
- Frequently operates office equipment.
- Intermittently must operate County vehicles and breathalyzer.
Physical and Mental Requirements
This job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 10 pounds of force.
The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office environment with travel and field visits also required. The potential for physical harm exists when dealing with offenders. There is potential exposure to blood borne pathogens.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Competencies Common to All County Positions
- Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
- Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
- Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
- Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
- Represent Freeborn County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.
Freeborn County offers a robust benefits package including: PTO, life insurance, dental, vision, short term and long-term disability, AFLAC, PERA, Nationwide Retirement, flex spending, medical with generous VEBA contributions, and a free clinic for employees and their family members who are covered under the county insurance.
***Completed applications along with cover letter and resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants who apply by July 10th, 2026, will be given priority for the first round of interviews. Salary range is $99,857 - $133,150 annually depending on qualifications. ***
FREEBORN COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.